In Babel, a tragic incident involving an American couple in Morocco sparks a chain of events for four families in different countries throughout the world. In the struggle to overcome isolation, fear, and displacement, each character discovers that it is family that ultimately provides solace. In the remote sands of the Moroccan desert, a rifle shot rings out detonating a chain of events that will link an American tourist couples frantic struggle to survive, two Moroccan boys involved in an accidental crime, a nanny illegally crossing into Mexico with two American children and a Japanese teen rebel whose father is sought by the police in Tokyo. Separated by clashing cultures and sprawling distances, each of these four disparate groups of people are nevertheless hurtling towards a shared destiny of isolation and grief.
[Inarritu] remains as entranced as ever by fate, loss and the interconnectedness of humankind, and I admire him for it. But Babel isn't the last or best word on that subject. It's just a lot of talk.
– Amy Biancolli,
Houston Chronicle,
10 Nov 2006
fresh:
The experience of watching Babel is undeniably riveting: Even if the film doesn't really lead anywhere, you still can't take your eyes off it.
– Rene Rodriguez,
Miami Herald,
10 Nov 2006
fresh:
It's a great film made with style and heart and hope, a cautionary parable and an almost certain Oscar contender.
– Roger Moore,
Orlando Sentinel,
10 Nov 2006
rotten:
If misery is your pornography, Babel is your holy grail.
– Dave Calhoun,
Time Out,
16 Jan 2007
rotten:
Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu's latest sprawling, dispersed art-film blockbuster prompts a question: Does he just not know how to tell a story?